Smart bets: Town Mountain

Fans of Asheville quintet Town Mountain will be familiar with the concept of podorythmie — not because they are well-versed in French Canadian percussive techniques, but because it’s nearly impossible to listen to the band’s jaunty bluegrass without adding your own toe-tapping beat. The self-described “hard-drivin’ Carolina string band” is in the running for an International Bluegrass Music Association awards and has received praise from alternative sources as unlikely as Dale Earnhardt Jr. (via Twitter). The group has appropriately opted to hold the release party for its first official live album at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall, the venue that hosted the recording in March. Opening the evening is Taylor Martin’s Acoustic Band. Friday, Aug. 22, at 9 p.m. $12/$15. isisasheville.com. Photo by Jason Beverly